There’s nothing quite like the convenience and comfort of one-pot pasta recipes. These easy, delicious meals require minimal cleanup and allow you to cook everything—pasta, sauce, and all—in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, one-pot pasta dishes offer a satisfying meal with layers of flavor, all made with simple ingredients. Here are some of the best one-pot pasta recipes to enjoy comfort in a bowl.
1. One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender pasta, garlic, and a silky cheese sauce, it’s a comforting dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the pasta, chicken broth, and cream to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the pasta simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
2. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
This one-pot spaghetti Bolognese brings together all the classic flavors of a hearty Italian favorite in one easy dish. Ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs simmer together with the pasta to create a delicious, comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and basil.
- Add the spaghetti to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
3. One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This creamy, dreamy Tuscan chicken pasta is packed with flavor, combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot for a comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
4. One-Pot Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
This fresh and flavorful one-pot pesto pasta is the perfect blend of basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender pasta. It’s a light and refreshing dish that’s quick to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne or farfalle
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, add the pasta, broth, and cherry tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
5. One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
This one-pot cheesy taco pasta is a fun twist on taco night, combining ground beef, taco seasoning, and plenty of cheese for a family-friendly meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and pasta to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Conclusion: Easy, Delicious Comfort in One Pot
One-pot pasta recipes are the ultimate solution for quick, comforting meals with minimal fuss. From creamy garlic Parmesan pasta to flavorful taco-inspired dishes, these recipes make dinner prep easy and satisfying. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love, and best of all, you’ll have fewer dishes to clean up!